The use of collagen-glycosaminoglycan biodegradable matrix (Integra®) in the management of neck postburn hypertrophic scars and contractures

Abstract

Glycosaminoglycan (GAG) is a chain-like disaccharide that is linked to a polypeptide core to connect two collagen fibrils/fibers and provide the intermolecular force in a Collagen-GAG matrix which can be a valuable treatment of post-burn contractures and hypertrophic scars, which remain a challenge to reconstructive surgery. The face and neck contractures are the most difficult sites to treat. This article is meant to discuss our clinical experience in using collagen-glycosaminoglycan biodegradable matrix (Integra® Integra Lifesciences Corporation, Plainsboro, NJ, USA) to reconstruct defects created by excision of contracted areas from the neck and lower face areas. Between 2009 and 2011, we had 11 patients that underwent Integra reconstructive procedures. The mean follow-up period was 18 months. For all the patients, the intake of the Integra dermal regeneration template was 100%, even if one patient developed a minor infection treated with appropriate antibiotics. The patients are very satisfied with the result. A minor problem was a small difference in skin color, but this inconvenience was compensated by good skin elasticity.